Pneumonia - more than just breathing difficulties

How to recognise symptoms of pneumonia

Pneumonia often begins with a cough - this is usually dry at the beginning, later with sputum. Other symptoms include fever, which can sometimes be very high, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, headaches and aching limbs. Older people in particular also experience atypical symptoms such as confusion and restlessness.

Recognising and clarifying pneumonia

Patients often ask themselves: How can I tell if I have pneumonia? Our experts clarify this step by step using various examinations if symptoms are present. The first step is always listening (medical auscultation) with a stethoscope to detect any rales in the lungs.

A blood test provides information about any signs of inflammation. In addition, so-called shadowing during X-rays of the lungs - sometimes a CT (computerised tomography) of the thorax (chest) is also necessary.

Blood or saliva cultures are taken to precisely identify the pathogens causing pneumonia. A urine test can also help to identify pneumococci or legionella-like bacteria - this is successful in a maximum of 50 % of cases. We will be happy to advise you in detail about your options.

What can you do if you have pneumonia?

Pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics, which are usually administered intravenously to the patient at the beginning. If the patient has a fever, it is also important to drink plenty of fluids - supportive infusions can prevent dehydration.

Oxygen administration is recommended for severe respiratory distress - inhalations, e.g. with saline solutions, are generally helpful. Physiotherapy with secretion mobilisation and respiratory gymnastics can also be very helpful.

The healing process of pneumonia can take anywhere from two weeks to three months, depending on the severity. It is very important to cure the infection properly so that it is not spread.

At Bethesda Hospital, we offer advice on various vaccinations that reduce the risk of pneumonia. These include the flu vaccination and the pneumococcal vaccination, both of which you can have at our hospital and which we recommend for people who are particularly at risk.

Pneumonia = infectious disease no. 1

Pneumonia is the most common (registered) infectious disease worldwide. In Switzerland alone, between 70 and 80 thousand people contract pneumonia every year.

People over the age of 60 and smokers are particularly at risk. People with severe chronic illnesses such as renal insufficiency or weakness, heart failure, diabetes or pre-existing lung diseases are also at risk.